We screened (comprehensive physical examinations, bloodwork, and fecal analysis) 51 dogs for the SLIM study. Of these, 31 met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled. Of these enrolled dogs, 25 dogs completed the 24-week clinical trial. Unfortunately, 6 dogs were removed from the study early with the most common reason related to administration of antimicrobials needed for underlying health conditions including dog bite wounds, urinary tract infections, and surgical procedures. Based on recalculating our power analysis for sample size estimation, out current samples size (n=25) is sufficient to find a significant difference in weight loss between the treatment groups. Our last SLIM patient finished the clinical trial at the end of October 2022. Since this time, we have entered the analysis phase and sample processing for microbiome sequencing and metabolomics.
The most rewarding part of this clinical trial was that all dogs achieved their weight loss goals, despite their treatment group (see Figure 2). Our patients’ owners were thrilled with how their pets progressed in their weight loss goals and were greatly appreciative for the improvement in their pets’ quality of life since completing the SLIM study. For example, over the 24-week SLIM study, Pax’s achieved a total weight loss of 23% of his body weight. His body condition score (BCS) improved from 8/9 to 5/9 during the SLIM study. His owners’ report a marked improvement in his energy and actively levels since completing the SLIM study.
Publications:
Moore, Rustin M., Vanessa Hale, Jenessa Winston, and Toni Hare. “Harnessing the Microbiome to Improve the Health and Well-Being of Animals and People.” American Journal of Veterinary Research 1, no. aop (August 5, 2023): 1–1. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.23.07.0156.
Preparation of Fecal Microbiota Transplant Capsules for Companion Animals. Randolph, N., Klein, H., Salerno, M., Horne, R., and J. Winston. Target Journal: PloS One Protocols. We have added in 16S amplicon microbiome analysis to this manuscript to ensure that fecal processing is not significantly impacting the microbiome. The manuscript is currently in preparation with anticipated submission in Fall 2023.
• Based on the complexity of the SLIM study we are anticipating multiple publications from this clinical trial, including but not limited to the following:
o A clinical paper describing the clinical efficacy of FMT as an adjunctive therapy to enhance standard canine obesity management
▪ Current Status: Manuscript in preparation
o A microbiome paper of the integrated gut metagenomics and metabolomics data describing the longitudinal alterations within the canine “obesogenic” intestinal ecosystem throughout a structured obesity management program with FMT compared to standard dietary management alone or with placebo
▪ Current Status: Awaiting data multi-omics data analysis
o A clinical paper describing the use of FitBark monitors during a structured obesity management program
▪ Current Status: Data analysis underway
